Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I am sorry. I did not understand the point the Deputy was making. Clearly, the role of the society is to make sure the person who registers has the qualifications to practise pharmacy but their sexual orientation, marital status or political or religious beliefs are irrelevant. The Equal Status Act 2000 applies across the board in this State and one cannot be discriminated against.

The Senator raised a valid issue relating to blood, which Senator Norris asked me to examine two weeks ago. I have not had an opportunity to discuss this with the Blood Transfusion Service Board. The quality of the blood is paramount, as was highlighted by members of the hemochromatosis group. I recently met four sufferers, even though it is a very rare disease. They receive the highest quality blood and that is not accepted. Recently, I appointed a member of the voluntary group that represents them on the BTSB. She has come together with a group of patients who have a blood-related issue and given that the service is about blood, I appointed this lady to see if she could use her powers of persuasion on the board. This is a not a matter for the Minister because the board is an independent body and it is appropriate that its members make decisions based on expertise. However, the quality of the blood is paramount and I intend to examine this issue in consultation with my Department and the BTSB. Senator Norris attended a function recently during when he announced that of the 100 people present, 15 were gay. I was told by somebody in attendance that everybody was looking at each other.